Wellness Together
About Wellness Together
Wellness Together counselors are Mental Health Specialists (MHSs) who work with students, school personnel, and families to support students by removing social/emotional barriers to student success, linking students and families with community resources, and supporting overall student achievement. MHSs may conduct individual or group counseling sessions.This is a district-funded program that is being utilized at some OUSD schools.
How are Students Selected?
Students may be referred to the Mental Health Specialist (MHS) for individual and/or group counseling by their school counselor or designated school staff member. When a referral is received, the MHS may call the parent/guardian to discuss the services that may be provided. The MHS may also set up an initial meeting with the parent/guardian and student.
What will Counseling for my Student Involve?
Counseling through the Wellness Together Program typically includes 10 individual sessions or 6-8 small group sessions. A variety of interventions may be used including, but not limited to: Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Curriculum-Based Intervention (CBI), and Mindfulness. Counseling services are provided on the school campus in a confidential space or online and may take place before, during, or after school. When a student is referred, the MHS will coordinate the best time to pull the student out of class.
Links to Helpful Resources
Mental Health Specialist Biographies
Antonio Rivas
Antonio is from Oakland, CA and is a Mental Health Specialist. Antonio's pronouns are he/him and he received his Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and Master of Arts in Counseling from Holy Names University. In his down time, Antonio enjoys playing video games, watching anime, and enjoys practicing Mixed Martial Arts. He also is bilingual, speaking Spanish and English.
Samantha Seaton
Samantha is from Southern California and is a Mental Health Specialist with Wellness Together. She received her Bachelor's from The University of Oregon with a B.S. in Psychology, and is currently working towards an M.A. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy at Pepperdine University. In her free time, Samantha enjoys creative writing and spending time outdoors.
For more information
Email your student's school counselor, assigned Mental Health Specialist, or reach the School-Based Therapy Leadership Team.